http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/crucial-legislation As our nation finds http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/crucial-legislation Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:53:52 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/nathan-willcox-dismisses-clean-coal-as-oxymoron-on-cbs-3 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/nathan-willcox-dismisses-clean-coal-as-oxymoron-on-cbs-3 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:30:07 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/wcu-efforts-applauded West Chester University is taking immense steps in the direction of not http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/wcu-efforts-applauded Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:08:20 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/going-green-may-bring-job-boom-in-state By Joe Napsha, TRIBUNE-REVIEW Pennsylvania could gain about 86,000 jobs by investing in clean energy technologies, according to a report released Tuesday by a coalition of labor and environmental groups. The report shows that the development of wind, solar and other clean energy plants and other facilities in the state could create jobs for electricians, carpenters, computer software personnel, installers, mechanics and metal fabricators, said Bracken Hendricks, a senior fellow for the Center for American Progress, a Washington think tank. Hendricks, project manager for the report, said the jobs estimate is based on an analysis of a suggested $100 billion investment nationwide in clean air technologies. United Steelworkers President Leo W. Gerard, whose 850,000-member union is part of the coalition involved in the report, said the jobs creation by clean technologies is a reality. "We revived three (steel) plate mills that make plate for windmill turbines," Gerard said yesterday in advance of a South Side town hall meeting where he and other speakers were to discuss the report. "Green Jobs for the Steel City" was the theme for the meeting. The government's push to get automakers to build fuel-efficient vehicles in the United States will help sustain a range of jobs in the steel, glass and parts industries, Gerard said. To reduce carbon emissions, the nation can retro-fit buildings with American-made products, that will create "millions of jobs," Gerard said. The USW participated in the release of the report produced by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Other groups involved were the Blue-Green Alliance, Sierra Club, Clean Air Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, PennFuture and PennEnvironment. The report's premise is that a two-year, $100 billion "green investment" program could generate two million jobs nationwide, or nearly four times more than if the same amount were spent in the oil industry. Work to retrofit buildings for energy efficiency, expand mass transit and freight rail, and build "smart" power grids, plus wind, solar and biofuels facilities, could be funded. The program could be paid for, the report said, with proceeds from auctions of carbon emissions permits to industries. Under the cap-and-trade system, companies would be given a limited number of emissions allowances every year, and those companies could sell those allowances to other polluters whose plants may not be in compliance. Caps could be set to control emissions, and businesses could trade the permits. But, the number of emission allowances would be cut every year, which would force industries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide. http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/going-green-may-bring-job-boom-in-state Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:01:18 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/motorists-slam-brakes-on-gas-prices Gas prices get drivers to cut back http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/motorists-slam-brakes-on-gas-prices Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:56:09 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/get-ready-to-start-your-engines----with-biofuels By BRIAN SCHEID In a matter of years, a good portion of every gallon you pump into your tank at a Pennsylvania gas station might not be gasoline at all. http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/get-ready-to-start-your-engines----with-biofuels Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:33:53 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/seeing-green-in-the-future http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/seeing-green-in-the-future Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:23:18 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/illogical-drilling Hats off to the Post-Gazette for seeing through the push by President Bush and John McCain to promote offshore oil drilling ("Feeding an Addiction" June 19). http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/illogical-drilling Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:51:59 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-bills-demand-state-senate-action Editorial With the start of summer upon http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-bills-demand-state-senate-action Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:49:38 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/midstate-mixed-on-environment-oil-drilling Gasoline prices have prompted calls from President Bush and http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/midstate-mixed-on-environment-oil-drilling Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:12:51 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/talking-about-pa_-and-clean-energy Editor: We all know that http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/talking-about-pa_-and-clean-energy Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:02:23 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renew-incentives Editor: The clean energy industries that are helping to bring more wind http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renew-incentives Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:22:07 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-efficiency-an-idea-whose-time-has-come By Nathan Willcox and Senator John Rafferty Everywhere we look these days, energy issues are making news. If it’s http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-efficiency-an-idea-whose-time-has-come Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:45:10 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/new-3b-ethanol-pipeline-could-run-through-midstate http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/new-3b-ethanol-pipeline-could-run-through-midstate Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:24:12 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/paying-less-at-the-pump-more-at-the-dealership By BRIAN SCHEID http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/paying-less-at-the-pump-more-at-the-dealership Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:48:56 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/feds-drive-home-fuel-economy-bill By BRIAN SCHEID, Bucks County Courier Times For the first time in more than 30 years a major increase in federal fuel efficiency standards for cars and small trucks could be signed into law before the end of the month. But environmentalists aren't entirely pleased. “It's a bittersweet victory,” said Peter Wray, chairman of the Sierra Club's climate change network. While environmentalists celebrated the likely http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/feds-drive-home-fuel-economy-bill Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:02:37 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/new-energy-bill-merits-support It is disappointing that U.S. Rep. Phil English, of Erie, R-3rd Dist., voted against the Energy Independence and Security Act. By increasing fuel-economy standards for the first time in decades and setting a national renewable electricity standard, the bill would take a historic step toward a new energy future. By putting more fuel-efficient cars on the road and increasing our use of renewable energy, the bill would create more than 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, save Pennsylvania consumers $1 billion at the gas pumps and $1 billion on their energy bills, and make a down payment on the fight against global warming. More than ever, America needs a new direction on energy policy, but English has failed to change course.When the bill reaches the U.S. Senate, Penn-Environment urges Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter to support the bill. Adam Garber PennEnvironment Philadelphia http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/new-energy-bill-merits-support Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:22:54 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/editorial-rejecting-kyoto With new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's announcement yesterday http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/editorial-rejecting-kyoto Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:49:06 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/liquid-coal-isnt-the-answer To the Editor: They say that when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/liquid-coal-isnt-the-answer Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:55:42 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/high-tension http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/high-tension Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:13:53 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/environmental-champ Dear Editor: Commendations to Bucks County Congressman Patrick Murphy for http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/environmental-champ Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:44:53 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/altmires-support-for-clean-energy I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire for supporting an http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/altmires-support-for-clean-energy Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:36:30 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renewable-energy To the editor: I would like to thank U.S. Reps. Chris Carney and Paul http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renewable-energy Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:51:04 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/platts-backs-federal-requirements-for-energy-reform CHARLES SCHILLINGER The York Dispatch http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/platts-backs-federal-requirements-for-energy-reform Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:09:58 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/english-vote-disappointing To the editor: It is disappointing that U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, voted against http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/english-vote-disappointing Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:55:11 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/lawmakers-turn-down-energy-bill Environmentalists are saying it’s easier to be green than they think By Brian X. McCrone http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/lawmakers-turn-down-energy-bill Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:32:41 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/house-passes-transit-funding-uses-taxes-and-fees-to-fix-roads By Tracie Mauriello, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/house-passes-transit-funding-uses-taxes-and-fees-to-fix-roads Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:24:38 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/septa-set-to-vote-on-spending-in-case-senate-blocks-transit-funds By Brian X. McCrone http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/septa-set-to-vote-on-spending-in-case-senate-blocks-transit-funds Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:35:10 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/address-mass-transit-needs In less than two weeks, the Legislature is expected to break for the http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/address-mass-transit-needs Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:14:09 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/elements-of-rendell-energy-plan-pass-state-house HARRISBURG - Two components of Gov. Ed Rendell's "energy independence http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/elements-of-rendell-energy-plan-pass-state-house Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:48:36 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renewable-energy-can-make-u_s_-a-world-leader2 NATHAN WILLCOX and JOHN DeFAZIO Energy prices and the conflict in the Middle East, combined with concern http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renewable-energy-can-make-u_s_-a-world-leader2 Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:19:34 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/ppl-eyeing-new-reactor-at-susquehanna-plant http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/ppl-eyeing-new-reactor-at-susquehanna-plant Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:34:57 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/public-transportation-helping-to-fight-global-warming http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/public-transportation-helping-to-fight-global-warming Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:35:14 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/regaining-the-lead-on-renewable-energy The states have stepped up to the plate, now it's time for Congress http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/regaining-the-lead-on-renewable-energy Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:29:28 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renewable-energy-powers-new-jobs BY NATHAN WILLCOX AND JOHN DEFAZIO http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/renewable-energy-powers-new-jobs Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:42:49 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/its-time-to-find-a-solution-for-septa This summer, it's imperative that the Pennsylvania legislature approve a http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/its-time-to-find-a-solution-for-septa Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:43:09 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/save-public-transit With each passing day, the need for our leaders in Harrisburg to save the state's public transportation systems grows more critical. Across the state, public transportation systems, such as SEPTA, will be forced to increase fares and make steep cuts in service beginning in July unless Harrisburg crafts a funding solution before then. Beyond making it more difficult for Pennsylvanianis to get to work and school every day, service cuts and fare increases will have serious environmental and public health consequences. Quite simply, more people driving their cars instead of taking the train or bus means more smog and global warming pollution. Already, pollution from cars and trucks helps to rank Pennsylvania as the third-biggest producer of global warming pollution among all states. Without well-funded public transportation, we'll never be able to achieve the cuts in pollution that scientists say are necessary to avoid global warming's worst effects. Nathan Willcox Energy & Clean Air Advocate PennEnvironment Philadelphia http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/save-public-transit Thu, 17 May 2007 12:24:07 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/winds-of-change By Brian X. McCrone / Metro Philadelphia PENNSYLVANIA http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/winds-of-change Tue, 01 May 2007 17:07:56 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/groups-to-sue-reliant-for-polluting-conemaugh-river http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/groups-to-sue-reliant-for-polluting-conemaugh-river Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/enviromental-groups-threaten-to-sue-plant http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/enviromental-groups-threaten-to-sue-plant Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/environmentalists-to-sue-reliant-energy By Dan Nephin http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/environmentalists-to-sue-reliant-energy Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/rendells-energy-strategy-relies-on-incentives http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/rendells-energy-strategy-relies-on-incentives Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/little-hope-for-energy-change  By Brian Scheid http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/little-hope-for-energy-change Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/u_s_-congress-passes-legislation-to-promote-renewables By reFOCUS STAFF WASHINGTON, http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/u_s_-congress-passes-legislation-to-promote-renewables Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/bush-faces-tough-test By Brian Schied STATE OF THE UNION http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/bush-faces-tough-test Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/-fattah-helps-to-bring-a-clean-energy-future Letter to the editor http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/-fattah-helps-to-bring-a-clean-energy-future Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/congress-expected-to-shift-green http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/congress-expected-to-shift-green Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/-environmental-representative-speaks-out-on-leaders-and-lawmakers SUNBURY http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/-environmental-representative-speaks-out-on-leaders-and-lawmakers Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/alternative-energy-exposition-explores-new-ways-to-fuel-everyday-life By David Campbell http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/alternative-energy-exposition-explores-new-ways-to-fuel-everyday-life Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/nuclear-energy-vital-bush-says-in-montco By Daniel Patrick Sheehan http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/nuclear-energy-vital-bush-says-in-montco Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/bush-energy-policy-under-scrutiny By Brian Scheid http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/bush-energy-policy-under-scrutiny Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/businesses-must-support-conservation-policies As http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/businesses-must-support-conservation-policies Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/pa-delegates-need-to-support-energy-standard Regarding the Inquirer's July 4 editorial on the misguided energy bill passed http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/pa-delegates-need-to-support-energy-standard Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/report-supports-energy-efficient-electrical-devices http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/report-supports-energy-efficient-electrical-devices Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/clean-energy Letter to the Editor  http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/clean-energy Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/clean-energy-for-healthier-living By Jen Burdick, a field organizer for PennEnvironment http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/clean-energy-for-healthier-living Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/-plugging-along-for-better-standards Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Staff  Energy conservation has come a long way since Jimmy http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/-plugging-along-for-better-standards Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-law-may-aid-waste-coal By: Marc Levy http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-law-may-aid-waste-coal Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/power-to-the-people by Gwen Shaffer http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/power-to-the-people Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/scientists-call-for-increased-use-of-renewable-energy By Dan Nephin http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/scientists-call-for-increased-use-of-renewable-energy Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/hey-it-takes-a-lot-of-energy-to-make-cable-watchable Comcast, that relentless, Blob-like creature devouring everything in http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/hey-it-takes-a-lot-of-energy-to-make-cable-watchable Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/pa_-lawmakers-debate-clean-energy-sources By Marc Levy  http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/pa_-lawmakers-debate-clean-energy-sources Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/seward-plant-will-go-on-line-this-year http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/seward-plant-will-go-on-line-this-year Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-efficiency-is-still-key-to-avoiding-future-failures-even-small-savings-will-benefit-penna_-and-reduce-stress-on-our-electric-grid By Joe Conti, Charles McIlhinney and Nathan Willcox, PennEnvironment http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-efficiency-is-still-key-to-avoiding-future-failures-even-small-savings-will-benefit-penna_-and-reduce-stress-on-our-electric-grid Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:05:17 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/drillers-eye-huge-appalachian-gas-field By Genaro C. Armas http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/drillers-eye-huge-appalachian-gas-field Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:54:38 -0600 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/editorial-pa_-energy-use http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/editorial-pa_-energy-use Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:49:32 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/editorial-forget-more-oil-drilling---its-a-temporary-fix Three years' worth. That's all the oil we'll get should we tap into an area north of the Arctic Circle, where some 90 billion barrels of oil is estimated to lie. http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/editorial-forget-more-oil-drilling---its-a-temporary-fix Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:24:16 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/murphy-senate-must-act By JOHN ANASTASI Bucks County Courier Time Bucks County http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/murphy-senate-must-act Wed, 28 May 2008 10:44:51 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/pa_-can-reduce-pollution Dear Editor: In 2004, Pennsylvania produced more global warming pollution than every state except for California and Texas. With the Energy Information Administration projecting a 46 percent increase in U.S. global warming pollution over the next 20 years, it is clear that a change needs to be made, especially in Pennsylvania. This past February the state House of Representatives passed House Bill 2200 which will cut statewide energy use by 2.5 percent over the next five years. This will result in Pennsylvania producing 7.4 million fewer tons of pollution, which is the equivalent of taking 1.3 million cars of the road. PennEnvironment urges the state Senate and Gov. Rendell to sign House Bill 2200 and to push to achieve these goals that will reduce Pennsylvania's production of global warming pollution.Caitlin O'Neill PennEnvironment http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/pa_-can-reduce-pollution Fri, 30 May 2008 11:10:51 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/state-senate-considers-energy-efficiency-bill-h_b_-2200 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/state-senate-considers-energy-efficiency-bill-h_b_-2200 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:23:51 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-efficiency-will-benefit-pas-economy By Nathan Willcox & Ted Erickson Everywhere we look these days, energy issues are making news. If it’s the gas prices Pennsylvanians are enduring at the pump, concerns about global warming pollution, or warnings about spikes in electricity bills once utility rate caps are removed, it has become clear that the way we use and produce energy impacts Pennsylvania in many ways. Inevitably, discussions around energy return to two questions: How do we make it cheaper? How do we make it cleaner? One key answer to both of these questions is energy efficiency. That’s because we’ve known for years that the cleanest and cheapest type of energy is the energy that is never produced in the first place. In other words, if we cut our energy demand, we reap the environmental and economic benefits of power plants not having to produce as much electricity, and new power plants not being necessary. From the environmental perspective, energy efficiency is a clear winner. By cutting our energy use and reducing demand on the state’s coal-fired power plants, we ensure that less air pollution and global warming emissions are created. Pennsylvania creates more global warming pollution than all but two other states, and therefore using energy efficiency to cut this pollution is clearly a much-needed step in the right direction. From an economic perspective, energy efficiency is also a no-brainer. The simple truth is that our thirst for energy is growing at an unsustainable rate. And unless we find a way to reign in this energy demand, we will have to build new power plants. New power plants cost money — lots of money. Furthermore, the costs for these new plants will inevitably be passed along to Pennsylvania businesses and consumers. But, if we aggressively promote energy efficiency measures throughout the commonwealth, we can avoid the need for these new plants and their enormous price tag. Because of the many advantages of energy efficiency, PennEnvironment’s Energy Efficient Pennsylvania project is working to cut energy use in Pennsylvania by 10 percent by 2025. This is an aggressive but doable target, and achieving it would reap huge rewards for Pennsylvania’s environment and economy. There are many ways in which we can make this goal a reality, from making more of our homes and office buildings “green”, to making our household products and appliances more energy- efficient. For too long, Pennsylvania has failed to seize the promise of energy efficiency. For instance, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy gave Pennsylvania a score of only 16 out of a possible 44 in 2007 for the commonwealth’s energy efficiency efforts. Other states that have taken the lead in energy-efficiency efforts are already reaping the benefits. One example is California, where aggressive efforts to promote energy efficiency resulted in residential energy use declining by more than 40 percent per capita between the mid-1970s and 2002 (the national average was a 16 percent decrease). Together, we’re working to bring similar benefits to Pennsylvania. As a critical first step, we are supporting legislation in Harrisburg which would cut projected energy use 2.5 percent in the next five years, and cut peak demand — or the highest 100 hours of energy use annually — by 4 percent in the next four years. This modest cut in the state’s energy usage would result in 7.4 million fewer tons of global warming pollution being created in Pennsylvania than is projected — the equivalent of removing over 1.3 million cars from the road for a year. It will also to help to protect Pennsylvania homeowners and businesses from rising electricity bills. Enacting aggressive energy-efficiency legislation will be a first step towards making Pennsylvania a national leader in cutting energy use — for the benefit of the state’s environment and our economy. Nathan Willcox is an energy and clean-air advocate for PennEnvionment. State Sen. Ted Erickson of Newtown is a Republican representing the 26th District. http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/energy-efficiency-will-benefit-pas-economy Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:04:40 -0500 http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/word-nears-on-liquid-coal-plant Longtime backer may soon learn if his new-energy dream will be realized. http://www.pennenvironment.org/in-the-news/energy/energy/word-nears-on-liquid-coal-plant Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:54:35 -0600